Bryant Fall Fest and Bryant’s Buzzin’ BBQ Bash is this Saturday, Sept. 26 brought to you by Landers of Saline County.
“A new development we are very excited about is that Childcare Network is going to shuttle people from parking at Hurricane Creek Elementary to Bishop Park every hour and half hour beginning at 10 a.m.,” announced chairman Carlton Billingsley. “Parking is always an issue and we are so pleased they are stepping up to offer this service and that Bryant School District is allowing this.”
The 14 passenger vans are not made to accommodate child restraints seats. Therefore, the transportation is offered for children 4 and up and adults.
PARADE
The largest traffic issue is when people attempt to enter the park at parade time – this year at 9 a.m.
“Other traffic is stopped while the parade is entering the park and it takes a while for the jam to dissipate, usually at least 30 minutes,” noted Billingsley.
The Fall Fest parade is open to businesses, school groups and organizations. Prizes are awarded a little differently this year.
“Prizes are $100 for first place overall, $50 for second place overall, $25 for third place overall, $25 for most spirit and $25 for best to theme, “ noted Megan Caldwell, parade chairperson.
The theme this year is “As Seen on TV.” Rep. Andy Davis is the parade sponsor.
Parade line up is at 8:15 on Woodland Drive. The route is then right on Boone Road and left on Ken Palmquist Drive into the park and ending past the Fall Fest Stage.
FISHING DERBY
The fishing derby for kids 15 and under who are accompanied by an adult will begin earlier this year too. The derby is at 7 to 9 a.m. and is reset to early morning from middle of the day in hopes that the fish will be biting better. The fishing derby, sponsored by Hamilton Family Dentistry, will be in the back pond at Bishop Park.
A lucky young angler who snags a fish with a tag during the derby hours will win $100. Two tagged fish will be stocked in the pond.
The Senior Adults will be serving pancakes and fixings for $5 that morning for hungry fishers and others In the park
ACOUSTIC ACTS
Heather Batchelor, a pop and soul artist from Little Rock who has been making inroads in Nashville, Tenn., will be on stage from 1:45 to 3 p.m. She is now on her second album and soon will be filming a music video for her new single “Color.”
Batchelor has been described as “being one hit away from big, big things.”
Visit www.heatherbatchelormusic.com.
Brian Ramsey precedes her on stage at 12:30 to 1:30 with his wide musical variety. He leads a versatile acoustic cover band of top 40 and classic hits. The songlist is full of tasteful covers of everything from George Strait to Prince to Lady Gaga. Ramsey will be performing a solo acoustic set similar to his performances at J.J. Grill, The Flying Saucer and Cajun’s Wharf.
Main Stage sponsors are Baxley Penfield Moudy Realtors; Candice Stanley Allstate Insurance; Heartland Bank and Landers Auto Sales.
Musical entertainment at Fall Fest is free to the public.
TREASURES IN THE SAND
At 10 a.m., and all day on every hour, the First Security Bank Treasures in the Sand will give two winners a chance to dig for prizes. At the end of the day, the grand prizewinner will receive an Apple watch. Must be present to win.
Hourly prizes include restaurant gift cards and other gift cards/certificates.
BBQ
“Much has been said about the Kansas City Certified BBQ but people may not understand that they can buy a $5 ticket and sample barbecue and vote for the Backyard BBQ winner, “ noted Jeremiah Oltmans, chairman Bryant’s Buzzin BBQ Bash brought to the festival by Arkansas Craft Beer Distributors, and Oskar Blues and Summit Breweries. Craft beer can be purchased by those 21 and older with ID.
Other sponsors are Brooke Andrews State Farm, Menchies Frozen Yogurt, Pest Control by Adams, Big Red Stores (locally owned and operated), Saline Memorial Hospital, Whole Hog Café’, Crye Leike Real Estate Services – Terri Summers, Service Master, Baldwin & Shell and McCauley Services.
DUCT TAPE BOAT RACE
At 11 a.m., the fifth annual Ken Palmquist Duct Tape Boat Race sponsored by Candace Stanley Allstate Insurance and Brooke Andrews State Farms Insurance hits the water at the front pond. These watercraft of every imagining will stay afloat only on the power of duct tape, PVC pipe and their inventors’ ingenuity.
Entries are still being taken in several age categories. One of the kids’ categories allows water cannons and other fun additions this year. Prizes this year include one $250 cash gift card, one $150 cash gift card and three $100 cash gift cards.
HUMAN BUBBLE BALL
Thanks to GracePoint Church, there will be Human Bubble Ball at Fall Fest this year. For $10 Fall Fest visitors can be encased in the protective bubble and bounce against your friends in structured games or in free play.
HUMAN FOOSBALL
The City of Bryant is bringing a human-scaled and human-powered Foosball game to the park
The ticket for playing Foosball is $4.
LASER TAG
Laser Tag play amid bunkers is available for $5 per player.
UNLIMITED COMBO PACKAGE
Patrons can enjoy unlimited Human Bubble Ball, Human Foosball and Laser Tag for a $20 combo wristband.
KIDZLAND
KidZland is open from 10 to 3 p.m. For the $6 wristband (reduced price this year), a kid can have their face painted, go into eight different bounce houses/slide/obstacle course and ride the train. This is unlimited fun all day.
KidZland sponsors are Geyer Springs Baptist Church, Indian Springs Baptist Church and McDonalds of Bryant.
PUMPKIN BLING
The public is invited to decorate a pumpkin to a theme or company logo and submit it to the Bryant Auto Sales Pumpkin Bling contest run by Imaginations Created. Cash prizes are awarded. Simply bring to Fall Fest and drop off at that booth next to the Stage.
CAR SHOW
Rock City Cruisers are again hosting the car show. Entries ahead of time are $15. Day of the fee is $20. To register or for more information email sheltonrandal@hotmail.com.
